(NewsUSA)

"Puzzle Pieces"
by Laurine Adams

Breathtaking, tear jerking and inspiring, this is an amazing story of overcoming and mystical wonder. A little girl is cast aside and neglected, living out every generational curse reserved for her. This goes on until one day she has a Godly encounter that changes her life.

Deciding to change is a step but the process of change is a journey. And every demon assigned to her life had no intent on just letting her leave. With the help of God, the now young lady defeats every demon that had defeated her in her youth. The author believes there are no limitations, to what an individual can become, and each child needs positivity spoken to them each day. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3iid9V5.

"Breathe Deep & Swim"
by Jenna Marcus

Perfect for fans of Gayle Forman's "If I Stay," and Jandy Nelson's "The Sky is Everywhere," this witty and achingly beautiful coming of age story will tackle what it means to be alive, loved, and trusting in a world gone mad.

All 14-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart Thomas wants is normalcy. But a global pandemic prevents that. When Wolfgang discovers his father dead from the coronavirus, his world is thrust into more turmoil.

Wolfgang and his 16-year-old brother must avoid foster care. In a cross-country road trip, they seek their only hope: the mother who abandoned them. As they journey for answers, they uncover devastating mysteries about her that they never could have imagined. Can Wolfgang find the courage to "Breathe Deep & Swim?" Purchase at https://amzn.to/3cs81tw.

"Lemons in the Garden of Love"
by Ames Sheldon

It's 1977 and Cassie Lyman, a graduate student in women's history at the University of Minnesota, is struggling to find a topic for her doctoral dissertation. When she discovers a trove of suffrage cartoons, drawings, letters, and diaries at Smith College belonging to Kate Easton, founder of the Birth Control League of Massachusetts in 1916, she believes she has located her subject.

Digging deeper into Kate's life, Cassie learns that she and Kate are related -- closely. Driven to understand why her family has never spoken of Kate, Cassie travels to Cape Ann to attend her sister's shotgun wedding, where she questions her female relatives about Kate. Soon Cassie finds herself facing some of the same challenges that Kate faced. Purchase at https://bit.ly/3ryt02z.

"Death on the Railway"
by Manuel Rose

An erotic, horrific thrill ride you won't be able to put down. A supernatural crime thriller with an element of romance set in a highly stressed, fast-paced world. It will appeal to fans of Stephen King, Robin Cook and Dean Koontz.

Twenty-one-year-old Angelo Russo fall deeply in love with his sister Carina who fears her professional modeling career will be in jeopardy should the salacious secrets of her life be exposed. After a fight with Angelo, she disappears never to be seen alive again. Angelo discovers Carina has been murdered by a psycho serial killer. His crusade to find justice quickly turns into one needing to prove his own innocence. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35d4Wtu.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -You herd it here first, the Illinois State Fair is back again this year, providing a way for skilled young farmers to show off their hard work and demonstrate their expertise in the agricultural industry.

Agricultural education is an important priority for CME Group. During this year's Governor's Sale of Champions, student exhibitors were presented with one-time scholarships totaling $50,000. Each of the ten Grand Champion exhibitors will receive a $5,000 scholarship, which will be used to advance their education. Recipients of the 2021 CME Group scholarships were: Ashtin Guyer (Crawford, IL), Brayden Wilson (LaSalle, IL), Cole Caldwell (Peoria, IL), Edward Hanson (Iroquois, IL), Ella Bobell (Logan, IL), Jess Hawk (DeKalb, IL), Landrey Freeman (Scott, IL), Maddox Horner (Jasper, IL), Nolan Hoge (McDonough, IL) and Owen Pree (Iroquois, IL).

"At CME Group our roots are in agriculture and we understand the critical role that farmers play in fueling the global economy," said Tim Andriesen, Managing Director of Agricultural Products at CME Group. "These students are the among the best and the brightest and we are proud to support them as they further their education and become the next generation of agricultural leaders."

Young ag enthusiasts also demonstrated their knowledge around identifying and managing livestock at this year's Illinois 4-H Livestock Skillathon on August 11th. During the Skillathon, participants were tested on management, equipment identification, breed identification, quality assurance and cattle marketing. CME Group, the world's leading and most diverse derivatives marketplace, spearheaded the cattle marketing portion to assess risk management skills and strategic decision-making abilities.

After intense competition, nine champions each received a $1,000 CME Group scholarship to continue their education. Recipients of the 2021 CME Group Skillathon scholarships were: Alyson Utegg (Grand Ridge, IL), Anna Curley (Good Hope, IL), Cole Paulek (Stonington, IL, Davis Howell (Maroa, IL), Hannah Miller (Chatsworth, IL), Jack Link (Gilson, IL), Lauren Wolters (Aviston, IL), Liam Steward (Mechanicsburg, IL) and Waylen Paulek (Stonington, IL).

(NewsUSA) - Toys for Tots is the nation's flagship children's Christmastime charity, but the Program extends to helping children and families in need year-round. As children gear up for the new school year, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program continues its successful Back to School Books campaign in the hopes of doubling their literacy efforts. Last year, the Program distributed 1.8 million books and this year the Program hopes to distribute over 4 million books.

A key objective of the Marine Toys for Tots Program is to play an active role in the development of children by providing them direct access to books and educational resources that enhance their ability to read and communicate effectively. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program, launched in 2008 in partnership with The UPS Store, is one way to meet this goal. The Toys for Tots Literacy Program provides economically disadvantaged children with the books and educational resources that can help them build the confidence and self-esteem that will help them compete academically and succeed in life.

Data show that children who are not reading at grade level by the end of third grade are four times more likely to drop out of high school, and that the ratio of books per child in some low-income neighborhoods is 1 age-appropriate book for every 300 children.

"This program not only brings the joy of reading to these children, but also serves as an important tool in breaking the cycle of poverty," says Lieutenant General Jim Laster, USMC (Retired), President & CEO of the Marine Toys for Tots Foundation.

Since 2008, the Toys for Tots Literacy Program has provided an average of 2 million books to children, schools, and libraries each year. This year, Toys for Tots is teaming up with organizations such as Rise Augusta and Kids in Need Foundation for opportunities to distribute books to children in need year-round.

Please visit our donation page to support our Back to School Books campaign. https://www.toysfortots.org/backtoschool/Default.aspx. Be sure to follow "Gunny Bear" on the Toys for Tots Facebook and Instagram sites, where the Toys for Tots spokesbear shares more examples of the impact your support makes. Hope is just a book away!

(NewsUSA)

"Faults"
by Orion Gregory

In this riveting murder mystery, as a struggling 24-year-old tennis professional, Sydney Livingstone has never had a game to die for. But all that is set to change during a tournament that serves as a precursor for the prestigious U.S. Open. Someone from her past with a secret vendetta is trying to kill her before she can make a name for herself in the world of tennis.

A bold threat scrawled on her car, followed by a mysterious delivery from a stranger, sets the stage for a wild ride of revenge and murder that will leave you wondering if you can truly trust those around you. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3eZMr1r.

"Holland Park"
by Theresa Jackson

'No...no she was improving when the ambulance arrived. She can't be dead. She just can't!' he sobs while Max looks on with tears in his eyes.

An American girl Morgan has a cardiac arrest while on a family holiday in London with her brother Max and their parents. She is rushed to the nearest hospital but dies suspiciously during the operation. The family demands a full investigation, but nothing takes place.

Ten years later Max completes his final year as a medical student in the U.S.A. and accepts an offer to participate in a residency program in London, where he becomes deeply suspicious of the medical practices of a particular surgeon, who may have operated on his sister. Purchase at https://amzn.to/35XcReB.

"Dreamworms"
by Isaac Petrov

A post-apocalyptic first contact epic -- no-bull sci-fi at its best. The story of a badass woman who meets an alien in her dreams. The story of a world-shaking religious revolution.

December 2399. Civilization has long collapsed -- the legacy of an inescapable disease. Only a religious group has adapted to lifespans of mere 27 years. A happy society, oblivious to its own fragility.

A step away from extinction. Welcome to the history seminar of Professor Miyagi of the University of Lunteren-Deviss. Using the latest 26th century dream sensorial technology, you and your fellow students are about to dive deep into the momentous events when doom was playing dice with humanity. And winning. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2SB19U0.

"Serpent Rising - The Sage of Venom and Flame"
by Victor Acquista

Serena Mendez is an unemployed, pill-popping 21-year-old suffering from nightmares and PTSD. In an effort to confront the root of her childhood trauma, she travels back to the Navajo reservation where it all started.

Accompanied by her geeky friend Bryson, they discover unexplained mysteries pointing to an ancient conflict between the Illuminati and a Luminarian sect with origins to Atlantis -- and she appears to be at the center. With more questions than answers and only a handful of clues, pursued by an unseen foe, Serena embarks on a mystical journey across six continents to learn more.

Winner 2021 International Book Awards Best New Age Fiction. Purchase at https://amzn.to/36rtsaH.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) - The past year-and-a-half has brought unprecedented levels of stress to everyone, but parents in particular shouldered an extra load, as children's schedules (and emotions) were turned upside down. In fact, Gallup's 2021 Emotions Report shows that women with young children at home were hit the hardest in terms of pandemic stress and worry.

As the pace of daily life begins to pick up with the back-to-school season, it's more important than ever for busy parents to find a few minutes of 'me' time to decompress every day. Yet, finding the time can be a struggle.

That's exactly why the mental wellness app, Breethe, meets parents (and anyone needing stress relief) where they're at, ensuring that self-care becomes a reality and not just a hopeful wish. Breethe's personalized approach -- which easily integrates self-care into your day instead of just adding another item to the to-do list -- delivers customized, relatable stress relief right to your phone.

"Breethe is personalized for you and your needs. When it comes to wellness and self-care, there is no one-size-fits-all approach," says Breethe co-founder Lynne Goldberg. "The more we can meet someone where they're at in their day and life, the more lives we can change for the better."

Can't sleep? Feeling anxious? The app is designed to figure out why and gets to know its users through a series of quick and easy questions rooted in behavioral science. Then, based on this interaction, it provides personalized recommendations -- including meditation, hypnotherapy sessions, and helpful talks.

Additionally, with the "Customize My Day" tab, Breethe helps users sneak in a few minutes of self-care as they go about their day. Choose from a selection of activities, such as starting the day, doing chores, working out, or falling asleep. By setting the times when you typically do the activities, the app recommends what support would serve you best at that specific time.

Finally, Breethe is all about real help for your life -- it offers relatable tools for (very!) specific everyday situations, such as "Tax Season -- Adulting Is Hard," "My Boss is a Jerk," "My Family Drives Me Nuts," making the app even more accessible, timely and friendly.

This approach differentiates Breethe from other wellness apps because users need not sift through content libraries in search of the right tools. Instead, Breethe provides a personalized experience that delivers the most appropriate content to users on demand, making it the perfect choice for parents (and anyone else) at home and on the go. As the Breethe team explains, "it's like having a best friend and life coach in your pocket."

Visit breethe.com for more information, or follow along at: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp) and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/breetheapp (handle: @breetheapp).

(NewsUSA) - All parents want the best for their babies, and that starts with the right nutrition. Some of the biggest challenges parents may face when bringing baby home are feeding time and tummy troubles.

Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended. For parents who are not able to or choose not to breastfeed and those looking to supplement breastfeeding, a high-quality infant formula offers complete nutrition and easy digestibility to promote healthy growth.

A few tips for an easier feeding time:

- Feed your baby at regular intervals during early hunger cues.

- Try to feed in a calm and quiet setting with the baby upright on your lap; this position reduces pressure on the tummy.

- If bottle feeding, paced bottle feeding is recommended, which may result in some swallowed air.

- Burp your baby about every 5 minutes during bottle feedings and hold them upright for about 20 to 30 minutes after each feeding, avoiding vigorous play.

- Even a two-month-old still benefits from feeding every 2-3 hours, or eight times a day. However, older babies can be more easily distracted, so promote full feeding by reducing distractions.

"The NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula from Nestlé is designed after the complete nutrition and gentleness of breast milk. Whether as the sole source of nutrition or as a supplement to breastfeeding, NAN 1 helps keep them on track for healthy growth. NAN PRO 1 Infant Formula also includes expert-recommended levels of DHA to support healthy brain and eye development," says Joel Lim, MD, pediatric gastroenterologist and medical director at Nestlé Gerber.

NAN PRO 1 can be used as a starter formula for all healthy babies and is also a beneficial choice for those babies experiencing gas or fussiness because it has the probiotic L. reuteri, as well as 2'-FL HMO. These ingredients promote digestive health and support baby's still-developing immune system.

Probiotics, or "good bacteria," are live microorganisms that support a healthy digestive system when eaten regularly. The first year of life is important for nourishing baby's digestive and immune health, another reason to pay attention to nutrition right from the start.

Visit this link to purchase Nestlé NAN Pro 1 Infant Formula.

Visit this link for more advice on feeding tips to keep your baby healthy.

(NewsUSA)

"This Was Toscanini: The Maestro, My Father and Me"
by Lucy Antek Johnson

Arturo Toscanini is widely considered the greatest conductor of the modern age and remains a towering figure in the world of classical music. His explosive passions, dynamic music making, and legendary leadership continue to inspire and influence today's musicians while still captivating new generations of enthusiastic fans. Here is an intimate musical portrait of the Maestro, told from the perspective of first violinist Samuel Antek, who played under Toscanini's baton for 17 years in the famed NBC Symphony Orchestra.

 In this expanded second edition, Samuel Antek's reflections gain sparkling new facets of insight from his daughter Lucy, with vivid recollections about her father and his most memorable musical partnership. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3gtaPYA.

"Lion, Tiger, Bear"
by John W. Warner IV

The wild adventures of Lady Beatrice, the defiant, libertine MI6 operative and WWII pilot, continue in this sequel to the epic Little Anton, a mystery thriller set during the 1942 African Desert conflict.

In "Lion, Tiger, Bear," the hunt is on for Bea and her team to locate a secret German mining operation, airbase, and Ahnenerbe SS archeology dig in Iraq that is directly linked to the German Wunderwaffe atomic bomb, free energy, and antigravity programs- -- technologies that rely on mysterious and hidden ancient technology and philosophy.

 All author profits go to wounded veteran charities. Purchase at https://amzn.to/2V8CxCU

"The Hotel"
by Pamela Kelley

Secrets and lies...at Nantucket's most exclusive and glamorous, family-owned hotel.

The Whitley is Nantucket's most exclusive waterfront hotel -- a family owned business.

Changes are in store for Paula when her grandfather promotes her and fires her cousin--who then blames Paula. Paula's grandfather also hires a consultant to help her -- David, who is also in Nantucket also for another reason, a difficult family issue.

Meanwhile, a blond romantic comedy superstar is hiding out at The Hotel. She meets Paula's brother, a chef--who has no idea who she is. A new family saga from the Wall Street Journal and USA Today bestselling author of "The Nantucket Inn" and "The Restaurant." Purchase at https://amzn.to/3bHSrKb.

"A Kind of Hush"
by JoDee Neathery

D. Donovan, Midwest Book Review says, this book will appeal to "readers of stories of growth and recovery…as a moment in time changes a family forever." From the award-winning author of "Life in a Box" comes a novel set in Buffalo, NY, and Texas' Big Bend area exploring whether there is a gray area between right and wrong.

The Mackie family is enjoying an outing at Zoar Valley Gorge when tragedy strikes leaving one parent dead, a teenage daughter traumatized and their seven-year-old son hiding in the woods. Accident or something more heinous? As each survivor pieces together that day, a mantle of ambiguity -- a kind of hush -- hangs between them like a live grenade without its pin. Purchase at https://amzn.to/3hmdtRS.

NOTE: BookBites is presented by BookTrib.com.

(NewsUSA) -Whether you are just starting out with your first job and apartment, or entering the later stages of your working life, there is no wrong time to plan for retirement.

For Millennials and Generation Z, saving may seem less important, but don't discount its importance.

"Even though retirement is decades away, acting now can lead to better financial security throughout your entire life," says Mark Wernig, CFP®, Lead Advisor and Principal at Dowling & Yahnke Wealth Advisors.

For those who are younger, take some smart steps now, and you can reap the benefits whenever you retire. The following tips can help you to save for the future:

- Make saving automatic. Young adults should invest in a 401(k) plan with their employers, with an automatic contribution. This makes saving easy, you don't have to think about it, and you will reap the rewards later.

- Put money back. Many adults deal with debt from student loans, car loans and mortgages. Set financial goals and know the interest rates on your loans, so you can make a budget and try to pay them off as soon as possible.

If you are a Baby Boomer farther along in your career and retirement is fast approaching, don't despair. It's never too late to maximize your savings with these smart strategies:

- Play catch-up. The "catch up" provision for individuals ages 50 years and older lets you add extra money to many corporate retirement plans, such as 401(k)s, traditional Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs) and Roth IRAs.

"Workers age 50 and older can make an extra $1,000 catch-up contribution to an IRA in 2021, for a maximum possible IRA contribution of $7,000 in 2021," says Spencer Betts, CFP®, Chief Compliance Officer and financial consultant at Bickling Financial Services.

- Postpone Social Security. Age matters. The full retirement age for Social Security is 67 for anyone born after 1960. For every year you delay taking your Social Security (age 68 to 70), you increase your benefit by 8%.

- Revisit your health care plan. Health expenses are one of the top sources of spending in retirement. Make sure your health insurance plan meets your needs and do some research to switch plans if necessary. In addition, be aware of health care savings accounts (HSAs), which are pre-tax savings accounts that allow tax-free withdrawals for health expenses. HSAs also have a catch-up option for those over the age of 55.

Regardless of your age, a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNERTM professional can provide guidance and advice as you consider these points in retirement planning:

• What do you want?
• When do you want it?
• How much will it cost?

Visit LetsMakeAPlan.org for more advice on smart money management, and tips on building wealth for retirement during every stage of life.

(NewsUSA) -Many of today's students are tuning in to the possibilities of a career in financial planning.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for personal financial advisors is expected to grow at a rate of 4% through 2029, in part because of the increasing numbers of baby boomers who are retiring and are more likely to seek planning advice from personal financial advisors. Additionally, the replacement of traditional pension plans with individual retirement accounts is expected to continue, meaning individuals must save and invest for their own retirement, further increasing the demand for personal financial advisors.

A CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professional works one-on-one with their clients to develop strategies for meeting both short-term and long-term financial goals. These goals might include paying off student debt, saving for a house or planning for an adventure-filled retirement. This level of personal financial planning service is in high demand. So that is why, according to the April 2020 Pulse Survey: The Impact of Covid-19 On CFP® Professionals and Their Clients, 78% of CFP® professionals surveyed reported an increase in client inquiries during the beginning of the pandemic.

CFP® professionals find not only job security, but also personal satisfaction in their chosen profession. For example, a 2019 CFP Board study conducted by Fondulas Research found that 93% of CFP® professionals reported they were satisfied with financial planning as a career choice and 92% were satisfied with their decision to pursue CFP® certification.

"Being a financial planner allows you to build the work-life balance that you want," says Dorsainvil, CFP®. For example, the CFP Board Center for Financial Planning's Career Paths Guide lists work-life balance as one of the top five attributes that makes financial planning an attractive career.

Dorsainvil decided to combine her CFP® certification skills with the virtual platforms of today's professional world. She is the Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 2050 Wealth Partners, which focuses on empowering entrepreneurs and first-generation wealth builders to own their money story and pursue their biggest dreams. "I decided to become a CFP® professional because I liked putting my clients' interests first and helping them make smart decisions as they pursue their financial goals," she adds.

Benefits of a career in financial planning include:

• Helping people. CFP® professionals commit to a Code of Ethics and Standards of Conduct that gives their clients the highest level of confidence. Competent and ethical CFP® professionals can make a difference in people's lives by providing honest and effective guidance and strategies to help them achieve their financial goals at key moments in their lives.
• Setting your own schedule. CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ professionals have many career options, so you can find the flexibility that suits your lifestyle. Some financial advisors work for banks or credit unions, others work for independent firms, and some work as solo consultants.
• Staying in Demand. Earning the CFP® certification is a solid investment in your future, as it is trusted and sought after by firms and clients alike. . The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates roughly 11,600 job openings for personal financial advisors in this decade, with the number of openings only increasing as older financial planners retire.

More information about financial planning as a career choice can be found at CFP.net.